19 complaints against newspapers on alleged paid news

This was disclosed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni in a written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha.

Complaints were raised against Dainik Jagran, Hindustan, The Tribune, The Hindu, Dinamalar, Dainik Bhaskar, Punjab Kesari, Dinakaran, Tamil Murasu, Daily Thanthi, Maalai Malar and Amar Ujala, she said.

She said there have been a number of media reports that sections of the electronic and print media have received monetary considerations for publishing or broadcasting in favour of particular individuals or organisations or corporate entities for what is essentially "advertisement disguised as news".

Soni said a Group of Ministers has been constituted to examine the report on 'Paid News' prepared by Press Council of India and to give its views on a comprehensive policy and institutional mechanism to address this phenomenon.